As global rates of Type 2 diabetes rise, the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights the disease on this World Health Day saying that about 422 millions people are currently living with diabetes.

While Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which is often inherited, Type 2 is the most common form and is can be caused by factors including obesity and age.

Eating the correct foods, therefore, can help a person to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes.

To mark World Health Day, Business Insider lists some of the world’s healthiest diets.

Mediterranean

Featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, nuts, the odd glass of red wine, fish and dairy, and olive oil as the main source of fat, a Mediterranean diet is well-known as one of the world’s healthiest.

Japan

Japan people have the highest life expectancies in the world and this is due their diet high in certain carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits as well as fish and meat, as a recent study shows.

Nordic

A diet high in rye bread, oily fish, local fruits such as rose hip, root vegetables, and fermented milk and cheese reduces inflammation, which has been linked to chronic conditions and an increased risk of colon cancer, a recent study shows.

West Africa

Researchers at the University of Cambridge who assessed the consumption of healthy foods including fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and food high in fibre and omega 3 found that diets in West Africa ranked the highest.

French

One study showed that the quantity of food eaten is the key. While the French may scoff croissants, rich cheese, and meats, they do so in small portions.